Missouri River Fly Fishing in May

Fly Fishing the Missouri River in May

When runoff floods rivers across the Treasure State, the Missouri River draws anglers and guides from far and wide. This tailwater provides consistent fishing below Holter Dam even as water releases increase through May and June.

Rising flows in the Missouri River tributaries correlate with the end of spawning season to push rainbow trout populations back into the mainstem of the river. Increasing water temperatures and sediment loads bring an abundance of nutrients to the river, and the trout respond accordingly, feeding subsurface with reckless abandon.

Floating in May is the best way to experience the legendary Craig, Montana fly fishing opportunities on this stretch of the Missouri River.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Hatches in May

Blue-winged olive (BWO) and March brown mayflies are abundant on cloudy days in early May. Mother's Day Caddis arrive to the lower river near Cascade and Pelican Point with warm weather in late May. Missouri River dry fly fishing opportunities in May are generally sparse as high flows and an abundance of underwater food keep trout focused on subsurface feeding.

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:

This is primetime nymph fishing season on the Missouri River as hatching insects, aquatic worms, crayfish, and crustaceans are swept loose by rising water levels. As the water temperatures warm later in May, San Juan worm variations are highly productive fished under a strike indicator on long nymph rigs with a lot of extra weight.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Techniques in May

Nymphing over drop-offs and ledges along the insides of the river’s gentle meanders produces most fish in May. The necessary long leaders, heavy tippets, and added weight are best fished with 9 ½’ or 10’ fly rods.

Dry fly and streamer fishing is less consistent in May due to fluctuating water levels and conditions.

Our Missouri River Fly Box in May

Missouri River Fly Fishing Trips in May

May on the Missouri is a perennial favorite Montana fly fishing trip for the friends and clients of Fins and Feathers. Expect changing conditions almost daily, as water levels vary dramatically throughout the month. With over 23 years of Montana fly fishing guide experience, our experts have seen it all and have mastered the nuances of high-water fly fishing tactics on the Missouri River.

Missouri River fly fishing trips with Fins and Feathers can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019. Reach out to our team of experts for help with customizing a Montana fishing trip itinerary for your group of anglers.

Please note that lodging is limited near the river and our calendar fills in quickly, so advanced reservations are highly recommended.

Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog